Recording from Analog Sources

Do you have a vinyl record that you would like to add to your digital media library? With RealTimes Premium/Unlimited or RealPlayer Plus, you can save music from a phonograph, tape deck, boom box, or other analog music device. Once saved as digital files, you can play them from your computer or portable player, or create your own CDs.

What you'll need

Phonograph or other analog device: This can include a stereo, tape deck, or other device from which you wish to record.

Stereo amplifier: If you are recording from a phonograph or modular tape deck, you'll need to connect your device to a stereo amplifier, then connect the amplifier to your computer.

Input Source: You can record from an analog device into in two ways: via a microphone connected to your computer, or via stereo cables connecting your stereo or other device to your computer.

Sound Card: Talk to your audio and computer professionals to determine the best sound card for your configuration. A good sound card is essential for high-quality recordings.

Blank CDs: Talk to your computer professional to determine the best media for your configuration. Media can vary greatly, so make an informed choice for best results.

Note: Analog sound sources will be processed by the sound card on your computer. See your operating system or computer hardware manuals for more information and limitations.

Record Audio from Analog Sources

To open the "Record from Analog Source" dialog, click and select Tools >Record from Mic/Line In...

Select an audio source from the Source drop-down list.

Enter a name for the file that you will be saving. (The media file and media will have the same name.)

Click Record to start the recording. The format and length of the recording appears in the Status area.

Click Stop Recording to end the recording. The recorded audio file is in your default Library folder, and the file is added to the Library automatically. Because these songs have no info yet, they are organized alphabetically in the All Media or Music category and under <blank> in any of the specific subcategories, such as Artist or Album.

Click Close to exit the dialog.

Note: Analog recordings are saved in the default format and quality as set in Preferences > CD. They are saved in the default Library folder as set in Preferences > Library > File Storage.

Recording Sources

RealTimes can record analog audio from the following sources:

Line In — Audio signal is connected to your computer through the Line In connector on your sound card.

Note: If you have more than one CD drive installed, only one can be connected to the analog CD input of your sound card. Check your computer system manual to determine which CD drive is the analog source.

System Mixer — Record the combined output of your system mixer. Adjust the volume for each of the available audio inputs with individual volume sliders.

The recording levels must be accessed through the sound device settings. Because these settings come from the sound device (sound card) they will vary from computer to computer.